Many people walk away from a car accident, thinking they are unharmed, only to wake up the next morning with sharp neck pain or pounding headaches. Despite the fact that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says neck injuries are the most common injuries reported in car crashes, accounting for two million insurance claims each year, whiplash is still one of the most misunderstood injuries in personal injury cases.
That’s partly because it does not always show up on X-rays and may take a few days or even a few weeks to become obvious. Insurance companies sometimes use that delay to question the injury and to downplay your valid personal injury claim. If you are feeling stiff or foggy after any sudden impact, it is important to treat the situation seriously and learn about your legal options in South Carolina.
If you have suffered a neck or whiplash injury in a car accident or other personal injury accident in South Carolina, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can work to help you recover compensation to assist you in your recovery. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm have helped tens of thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by car accidents. But don’t just take our word for it, read our testimonials and see why so many South Carolinians say they’re glad they Just Called Joye.
How Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers Supports Clients with Neck and Whiplash Claims
Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has guided injured South Carolinians, just like you, after a serious injury. Our goal is to maximize the value of your case. . That’s why we prepare every file as though it might go to court by gathering witness statements, accident-scene data, and opinions from medical professionals. We coordinate with your doctors to understand the full extent of physical pain and any future treatment plan. Whether the accident was caused by someone texting at a red light or a negligent store that failed to fix a loose handrail, we build a compelling argument to hold the at-fault party responsible.
We also recognize that every story is personal. Clients meet directly with an attorney who will answer your questions about your neck injury and personal injury claim. During recovery, we can help arrange medical care on a lien basis if health insurance is limited. This means that if your health insurance doesn’t cover everything or if you don’t have health insurance, we can still help set up medical care where payment is delayed until your case is resolved. This way, you can focus on healing without worrying about medical bills or collection notices.
Our results reflect our commitment to securing meaningful compensation for our clients. We obtained a $1.7 million settlement for a woman who required neck surgery after a rear-end crash with a dump truck in Goose Creek. In Charleston, we recovered $625,000 for a woman suffering severe neck and back pain, including a pinched nerve, after being rear-ended on Ashley Phosphate Road. In Myrtle Beach, we recovered $115,000 for a man who suffered from whiplash and neck pain after he was rear-ended by a drunk driver who fled the scene.
Common Causes of Neck and Whiplash Injuries in South Carolina
Neck and whiplash injuries most commonly occur during motor vehicle crashes, where sudden force or unnatural movement puts intense stress on the cervical spine. These injuries can happen even in collisions that seem minor. Some of the most frequent accident-related causes include:
- Rear-end and front-end collisions at high or low speeds
- Side-impact “T-bone” crashes that twist the body unexpectedly
- Motorcycle and bicycle crashes where riders have little external protection
- Pedestrian accidents, where a direct blow or fall caused by a vehicle can result in severe neck trauma
- Vehicle rollovers or multi-vehicle pileups, which often involve forceful jolts from multiple directions
While auto accidents are the leading cause, whiplash and other neck injuries can also result from slip and falls, especially in places like stores, parking lots, or uneven sidewalks, and from sports-related impacts like football tackles or unexpected collisions.
Alongside whiplash, other injuries such as herniated discs, pinched nerves, and back injuries may arise. Neck injury cases often involve a mixture of soft-tissue pain, muscle spasms, and nerve compression that call for a tailored treatment plan.
Whiplash and Other Neck Injury Symptoms
Not every ache signals a serious injury, yet certain signs should never be brushed aside:
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the neck
- Persistent headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or balance problems
- “Brain fog,” difficulty concentrating, or short-term memory loss
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
- Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
- Severe symptoms such as significant memory loss, loss of consciousness, or visual disturbances
If left untreated, soft-tissue damage can heal with scar tissue, locking joints and causing chronic pain that affects sleep, work, and family life.
